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The key to shrinking your golf handicap is developing a repeatable swing that combines consistency and distance. That’s easier said than done! Some weekend golfers hit the ball long, but lack consistency. On the other extreme, some hit the ball consistently into the fairway, but with far less distance than they need to conquer … Continue reading →

Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale made headlines. It should have. The last time he played in this tournament was 13 years ago. Since then, Tiger’s swing has changed dramatically—and not for the better. … Continue reading →

The chip shot’s basic function is to loft the ball over “uneven” ground and onto the green’s surface. From there, the ball can roll to the hole. Normally, you play this shot with a less-lofted club, which generally works out well. … Continue reading →

Bunker

Do bunker shots scare you? If you’re like many golfers, they do. But not as much as sloping lies do. Add some slope to bunker lies and you really get nervous. Your confidence goes right out the window. Don’t sweat … Continue reading →

Many weekend golfers hate hitting from greenside bunkers. If that’s you, you’re not alone. We all do to some extent. Unfortunately, it’s not something you can stop. Sooner or later, you’ll hit into a greenside bunker. So you need to … Continue reading →

No one likes hitting into bunkers. But sooner or later you will. That’s when your fear of bunkers can hurt you. Fear can prevent you from totally committing to the shot. That can cost you. A weak shot here won’t … Continue reading →

Chipping

Downhill lies are some of the toughest golf shots to set up for, let alone make. It’s just simple physics–you’re trying to hit down on the ball, but the imbalance can make for embarrassing chunks and skulls. Fortunately, there are … Continue reading →

You must make two critical decisions when chipping: What club do I chip with and where is my landing spot on the green? Ideally, you want the ball to roll more than it carries. When chipping, roll equals control. That’s … Continue reading →

How good is your short game? If you’re like most golfers, it’s probably not as good as you’d like. We all can benefit from a better short game—no matter what our golf handicap. So if you take the game seriously, … Continue reading →

Draw

The key to shrinking your golf handicap is developing a repeatable swing that combines consistency and distance. That’s easier said than done! Some weekend golfers hit the ball long, but lack consistency. On the other extreme, some hit the ball consistently into the fairway, but with far less distance than they need to conquer … Continue reading →

What’s the most common swing flaw in golf? If you said “the slice,” you’d be right. Maybe 90 percent of all golfers struggle with a slice. That’s right—90 percent. What causes them to slice may varies, but all slicers hit … Continue reading →

Hitting a controlled draw works well on long holes when you want to hit a drive that pro-vides extra run. Or, when you want to shape the shot around a dogleg left. But hitting a controlled draw is hard for … Continue reading →

Driver

Below is the second in our series of practice games. Games keep you from getting bored while practicing—whether it’s at the range or practice green. Enjoy! Tee up a ball. Stand behind it and envision a 40-yard strip down the … Continue reading →

The tee is the only area on the course where you can place the ball. It’s also the only place where you can tee the ball up. Deciding how high to tee it is a crucial decision. Tee the ball … Continue reading →

Know what Total Driving is? Not many golfers do. And those that do don’t usually think about it much. But viewed correctly, Total Driving is a valuable concept—one that can really help boost your competitiveness. Total Driving describes how long … Continue reading →

Equipment

How do I make a golf ball spin? I’ve been asked this question in golf lessons about a thousand times. Learning to apply spin to a ball is like finding the Holy Grail for many weekend golfers. To them, it’s … Continue reading →

Do you put much thought into what ball you play? Most weekend golfers don’t. But the ball you play can dramatically affect your scores. The right ball can help you chop strokes off your golf handicap. The wrong ball can … Continue reading →

More and more Tour players are changing their swings. Why? They want to match the latest advances in equipment and physical conditioning. These changes add power and efficiency to their swings. The result: They’re hitting longer, more accurate shots. And … Continue reading →

Full Swing

The key to shrinking your golf handicap is developing a repeatable swing that combines consistency and distance. That’s easier said than done! Some weekend golfers hit the ball long, but lack consistency. On the other extreme, some hit the ball consistently into the fairway, but with far less distance than they need to conquer … Continue reading →

Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale made headlines. It should have. The last time he played in this tournament was 13 years ago. Since then, Tiger’s swing has changed dramatically—and not for the better. … Continue reading →

This is the first of a two-part article on exiting your swing. In Part I we talk about the keys to exiting a swing and the types of swing exits available. In Part II we talk about common exit faults. … Continue reading →

Golf Articles

The key to shrinking your golf handicap is developing a repeatable swing that combines consistency and distance. That’s easier said than done! Some weekend golfers hit the ball long, but lack consistency. On the other extreme, some hit the ball consistently into the fairway, but with far less distance than they need to conquer … Continue reading →

Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale made headlines. It should have. The last time he played in this tournament was 13 years ago. Since then, Tiger’s swing has changed dramatically—and not for the better. … Continue reading →

The chip shot’s basic function is to loft the ball over “uneven” ground and onto the green’s surface. From there, the ball can roll to the hole. Normally, you play this shot with a less-lofted club, which generally works out well. … Continue reading →

Golf Drills

The key to shrinking your golf handicap is developing a repeatable swing that combines consistency and distance. That’s easier said than done! Some weekend golfers hit the ball long, but lack consistency. On the other extreme, some hit the ball consistently into the fairway, but with far less distance than they need to conquer … Continue reading →

Improving your putting is the best way to melt away strokes from your scores. So if you’re serious about breaking 80, you need to make more putts—especially those tough breaking putts that leave you ready to throw your putter away. That’s … Continue reading →

Hitting fat, thin, and topped shots isn’t any fun. But it’s what happens when you fail to make solid contact with your irons. You probably know this. You probably also know the feel of a solidly struck ball, which requires … Continue reading →

Golf Fitness

If you’re like most weekend golfers, you want to improve your game. But are you willing to do all it takes? If you said yes, then the first step to improving your game is getting into better shape. Put simply, if … Continue reading →

A strong core is the foundation of a good golf swing. More importantly, it allows your body to be ready-to-play more often, minus a lot of the lingering pain that derails a lot of golfers. The best part about core … Continue reading →

Every year around the holidays, I tell myself I’m going to “be better” and avoid all of those holiday staples that taste so good, but pack on the pounds. Every year, it’s a losing battle… Fortunately, with a new year … Continue reading →

Golf Tips

The key to shrinking your golf handicap is developing a repeatable swing that combines consistency and distance. That’s easier said than done! Some weekend golfers hit the ball long, but lack consistency. On the other extreme, some hit the ball consistently into the fairway, but with far less distance than they need to conquer … Continue reading →

Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale made headlines. It should have. The last time he played in this tournament was 13 years ago. Since then, Tiger’s swing has changed dramatically—and not for the better. … Continue reading →

Downhill lies are some of the toughest golf shots to set up for, let alone make. It’s just simple physics–you’re trying to hit down on the ball, but the imbalance can make for embarrassing chunks and skulls. Fortunately, there are … Continue reading →

Grip

Wouldn’t it be great if you could hit rock solid irons every time? Well, you can. All you have to do is make two adjustments. Don’t believe it? Neither do the students in our golf instruction sessions—until they do it … Continue reading →

Applying pressure where it’s needed most is the secret to a good grip. But how much pressure to apply is a key question? It depends. If you ask three teachers how much pressure to apply on a scale of 1 … Continue reading →

Make no mistake about it. Using the wrong grips can hurt your golf handicap. The wrong grips stop you from hitting good shots. Needless to say, it’s in your best interest to use grips tailored to your swing, not to … Continue reading →

Hybrid

Hybrids are among the most playable clubs in your bag. It’s why so many golfers carry them—pro and amateur. It’s also why we encourage students taking our golf lessons to try them. Hybrids are also highly versatile. You can use … Continue reading →

Do you hit your hybrid from deep rough? If not, try it sometime. A potent weapon, the hybrid can save strokes when you’re in trouble. It’s ideal when in the deep stuff with a long way to go. The ability … Continue reading →

Students take golf lessons for many reasons. Mostly, it’s to learn something technical. For example, some students attend our golf instruction session to learn how to hit their woods better. Others come to us to learn how to hit their … Continue reading →

Maximum Distance

Are you getting the most out of your drives? If you’re not, you may be swaying. Swaying is a deadly swing fault that cripples ballstriking. It can cost you distance off the tee and in the fairway. Common among weekend … Continue reading →

Mental Game

Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale made headlines. It should have. The last time he played in this tournament was 13 years ago. Since then, Tiger’s swing has changed dramatically—and not for the better. … Continue reading →

Breaking 80 regularly and slashing your golf handicap is easier said than done. Among the keys to going low is learning strategies designed to help you salvage a bad round when your game starts to falter. One way to do … Continue reading →

A strong core is the foundation of a good golf swing. More importantly, it allows your body to be ready-to-play more often, minus a lot of the lingering pain that derails a lot of golfers. The best part about core … Continue reading →

Perfect Impact

Slicing one into the trees isn’t the best way to start to a hole. It can stop you from making par, add unnecessary strokes to your score, and prevent you from breaking 80. If you’re playing a match in your … Continue reading →

With irons, need to make clean, crisp contact at impact. But that’s easier said than done—especially for weekend golfers. As a member of this group, you don’t play as often as a professional golfer. Nor do you practice as much. … Continue reading →

This is the second of a two-part article on exiting your swing. In Part I we talked about the keys to exiting a swing and the types of swing exits available. In Part II we talk about common exit faults. … Continue reading →

Pitching

Downhill lies are some of the toughest golf shots to set up for, let alone make. It’s just simple physics–you’re trying to hit down on the ball, but the imbalance can make for embarrassing chunks and skulls. Fortunately, there are … Continue reading →

You can’t do anything about bad lies. Sooner or later you’ll find one. Bad lies can derail a pitch shot. Your best bet is to accept the situation. It’s part and parcel of the game of golf. Then move on. … Continue reading →

Putting

Improving your putting is the best way to melt away strokes from your scores. So if you’re serious about breaking 80, you need to make more putts—especially those tough breaking putts that leave you ready to throw your putter away. That’s … Continue reading →

Want to cut strokes from your golf handicap? What about breaking 80 consistently? Wouldn’t that make your days on the golf course much more enjoyable? The single easiest way to shed strokes from your handicap is to improve your putting. … Continue reading →

This is the fifth in our series of practice games, which make practicing more fun. If it’s more fun, you’ll practice more and improve your game more. Improving your putting is the fastest way to take your game to the … Continue reading →

Q & A

Q. Hi Jack, I really enjoy your tips. There is no question they work. As a high handicapper (20), I come completely unglued in some rounds. I suddenly top drives, shank irons, and duff wedges while my putting goes to … Continue reading →

If you’re unable to hit your pitches close enough to one-putt, you may be costing yourself strokes. Hitting pitches close enough will help you chop strokes off your scores and your golf handicap. Here’s a drill from short game guru … Continue reading →

Q. Hi, Jack: I’m struggling with a high cut or fade and am losing valuable meters off the tee with this type of shot. Please assist me to hit a straighter drive or even a draw Regards, Garth A. Thanks … Continue reading →

Setup

Downhill lies are some of the toughest golf shots to set up for, let alone make. It’s just simple physics–you’re trying to hit down on the ball, but the imbalance can make for embarrassing chunks and skulls. Fortunately, there are … Continue reading →

The Pro Football playoffs are upon us, and while it might seem like American football and golf couldn’t be any different, golfers can learn a lot from watching American football—especially when it comes to the mental side of the game. … Continue reading →

Want to cut strokes from your golf handicap? What about breaking 80 consistently? Wouldn’t that make your days on the golf course much more enjoyable? The single easiest way to shed strokes from your handicap is to improve your putting. … Continue reading →

Short Game

Downhill lies are some of the toughest golf shots to set up for, let alone make. It’s just simple physics–you’re trying to hit down on the ball, but the imbalance can make for embarrassing chunks and skulls. Fortunately, there are … Continue reading →

Improving your putting is the best way to melt away strokes from your scores. So if you’re serious about breaking 80, you need to make more putts—especially those tough breaking putts that leave you ready to throw your putter away. That’s … Continue reading →

Birdies are fun. But you can’t make birdies without following up great drives with pinpoint approach shots. That means you want to stick your approach shots close enough for a makeable putt. Put simply, solid iron play and accurate putting … Continue reading →

Swing Plane

Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale made headlines. It should have. The last time he played in this tournament was 13 years ago. Since then, Tiger’s swing has changed dramatically—and not for the better. … Continue reading →

Some golfers use a one-plane swing. Others use a two-plane swing. Both ways work. In fact, you could probably find great Tour players in both camps. What’s critical isn’t how many planes you use, but staying on plane as you … Continue reading →

Trouble Shots

Breaking 80 regularly and slashing your golf handicap is easier said than done. Among the keys to going low is learning strategies designed to help you salvage a bad round when your game starts to falter. One way to do … Continue reading →

Downhill lies are some of the toughest golf shots to set up for, let alone make. It’s just simple physics–you’re trying to hit down on the ball, but the imbalance can make for embarrassing chunks and skulls. Fortunately, there are … Continue reading →

Excessive hand action on tight lies often leads to fat and thin shots. So the key to hitting crisp irons from tight lies is to keep hand action to a minimum. To do that, you need to lead with your … Continue reading →

Wedge

Do you lose strokes trying to recover from deep rough? You’re not alone. Many weekend golfers do—especially when they have a buried lie. Hitting from a buried lie in deep rough is a challenge that can pack strokes onto your … Continue reading →

Big drives are impressive. Just as students in our golf lessons. But it’s the short game—chipping, pitching, and putting—that brings home the bacon. So if you want to take your game to the next level, perfect your short game. Doing … Continue reading →

Some shots are harder to hit than others. Take the lob shot. It’s a great shot around the green—one that can bail you out of all sorts of trouble. It’s especially effective when you have to pitch over a greenside … Continue reading →

Woods

Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale made headlines. It should have. The last time he played in this tournament was 13 years ago. Since then, Tiger’s swing has changed dramatically—and not for the better. … Continue reading →

Traditional wisdom says its crazy to hit driver in the fairway. Most times traditional wisdom is probably right—but not always. Hitting driver off the deck is a difficult shot. Besides, you have other clubs designed to hit the ball off … Continue reading →

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